Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert Announces Interim Executive Director
Rancho Mirage, CA – The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert (CDMoD) is pleased to announce that Cindy Burreson, has joined the organization as Interim Executive Director. Burreson will lead the 30-year-old nonprofit as it conducts a major fundraising effort and works toward a safe reopening.
“The Museum has a rich history in our valley, and I am thrilled to take on the role of Interim Executive Director for the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert. As a mom, I look to the Museum for the fun and educational experiences it provides our local families and visitors to our destination. As a businesswoman, I look at our cherished Museum as a community strength and benefit, one that must be preserved and reimagined for today’s world. I am honored that the Museum Board asked me to serve and lead the established organization. I look forward to renewing CDMoD’s community relationships and partnerships and building new ones to ensure the future of CDMoD. We need our community’s support now more than ever,” said Burreson.
As a 15-year resident, Burreson is ingrained in the Coachella Valley primarily in hospitality and community leadership roles. She brings a wide variety of experience to CDMoD from managerial positions in the corporate sector such as Tommy Bahama and Marriot International, where she will continue to work as Senior Catering Sales Executive. The community has recognized and celebrated Burreson as Businessperson of the Year for the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce and the Excellence in Hospitality and Service Award from the Palm Springs Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Burreson is also an alumni of Leadership Coachella Valley and has completed the Marriott Global University Sales and Service training program.
Burreson’s volunteer leadership roles in the nonprofit arena are vast as a board member of the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce and Vice President of the Palm Springs Chapter of NACE (National Association of Catering Executives). She contributes her time in a multitude of ways, including as a reader for the Friday Night Bedtime Story for The United Way of the Desert. Recently, was Secretary of the Board for CDMoD, President of the Greater Palm Springs Wedding Association and board member and keynote speaker for Shelter From the Storm. She resides in Palm Desert with her husband Derek and two children: Dyson, 10 and Dylan, 8.
With the growth of the CDMoD board and the Discovery Partners fundraising arm, this was a good time to bring in a leader who could help organize the “Save Our Museum” campaign efforts. The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert (CDMoD) has been closed to the public since the stay-at-home order was issued in March 2020.
Potential donors, partners, corporate sponsors and volunteers can reach Cindy Burreson, Interim Executive Director for CDMoD, at Exec@CDMoD.org
MEDIA CONTACTS
Katie Stice, CEO, Rancho Mirage Chamber and Co-Chair of the Board for CDMoD (760) 574-4916
Davis Meyer, Director of Partnership, Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitor’s Bureau and Co-Chair of the Board for CDMoD (760) 861-1636
Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert (CDMoD): 71701 Gerald Ford Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
ABOUT THE CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM OF THE DESERT
The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert (CDMoD) is a special place where children and families experience the joy of learning about themselves and the world around them. The Museum inspires personal growth through exhibits and programs that inspire the curiosity and creativity of visitors through exploration.
